![]() NPS photo About the CollectionSan Francisco Maritime National Historical Park collects, preserves, and interprets the material resources, traditions, and achievements of seafaring Americans particular to Pacific Coast maritime cultural heritage. The park has earned accreditation status from the American Alliance of Museums, a widely recognized seal of approval that brings national recognition to a museum for its commitment to excellence, accountability, high professional standards, and continued institutional improvement. The significance of the park derives primarily from its collections that represent marine, labor, and shore-based trades and services, and the personal effects of individuals from the maritime community. The museum collection includes art, artifacts, and small water craft. The archival collection includes photographs, oral histories, vessel plans, business records, and personal papers. How to DonateIf you have artifacts or documents that you believe would complement the park's collection, contact us by email or by mail at: Donation ReviewDonation offers are reviewed by the Park's Museum Acquisitions Committee. The Committee members are staff who are subject-matter experts in maritime history, the scope of the park's museum collection, and preservation issues associated with artifact and document care. The Committee uses the criteria specified in the Park's Scope of Collections, as well as its current cataloging goals, to guide its decisions. It also takes into consideration the condition of the object and the availability of resources required to store and care properly for the artifact or document as well as cataloging the material to make it accessible. The sensitive nature of materials or ownership of copyrights may also factor into the acquisitions decisions. Tax Deductions and AppraisalsThe National Park Service is part of the United States federal government. To ensure that you receive the maximum tax benefit, it is recommended that you consult with your own accountant, attorney, and/or the Internal Revenue Service. You may also wish to consult Internal Revenue Service Publication No. 561, Determining the Value of Donated Property. Exhibits and Long Term LoansThe park can not guarantee that any objects or documents donated to its collection will be exhibited unless expressly collected for that purpose. Only a small fraction of the collection is on view at any given time. However, all items can be made accessible for research purposes through the Maritime Research Center. |
Last updated: May 8, 2025